The San Francisco 49ers played the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship Game in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga., on Sunday, January 20, 2013. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 28-24 and advancing to the Superbowl.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

The San Francisco 49ers played the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC...

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49ers Michael Crabtree, (15) fumbles the ball on the one yard line in the fourth quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC Championship game on Sunday Jan. 20, 2013, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Ga.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

49ers Michael Crabtree, (15) fumbles the ball on the one yard line...

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San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh during the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh during the San Francisco...

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Wide receiver Randy Moss (84) runs through the Falcons defense during the second half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Wide receiver Randy Moss (84) runs through the Falcons defense...

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Frank Gore salutes fans as he walked off the field with his son. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC title and advance to the Super Bowl Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Frank Gore salutes fans as he walked off the field with his son....

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San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) on a quarterback sneak past cornerback Robert McClain (27) in the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) on a...

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49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) comes back into the game after a time out, as the San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC Championship game on Sunday Jan. 20, 2013, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Ga.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) comes back into the game...

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49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick warms up before as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game on Sunday Jan. 20, 2013, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Ga.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick warms up before as the San...

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San Francisco 49ers fans congregated at the Georgia 49ers Fan Club tailgate in the Yellow Lot of the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia for the NFC Championship on January 20, 2013.
Photo by David Walter Banks for The San Francisco Chronicle.

Photo: David Walter Banks

San Francisco 49ers fans congregated at the Georgia 49ers Fan Club...

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San Francisco 49ers fan Quince Rgainous at the Georgia 49ers Fan Club tailgate in the Yellow Lot of the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia for the NFC Championship on January 20, 2013.
Photo by David Walter Banks for The San Francisco Chronicle.

Photo: David Walter Banks

San Francisco 49ers fan Quince Rgainous at the Georgia 49ers Fan...

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Cornerback Chris Culliver (29) and Safety Dashon Goldson (38) break up a pass in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) catches a pass int he first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) catches a pass int...

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San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked by Defensive tackle Ray McDonald (91) in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked by...

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Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the second quarter of the...

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quarterback Matt Ryan (2) in the second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

quarterback Matt Ryan (2) in the second quarter of the San...

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Atlanta Falcons kicker Matt Bryant (3) kicks a field goal in the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Atlanta Falcons kicker Matt Bryant (3) kicks a field goal in the...

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Running back Frank Gore (21) takes the field at the start of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Running back Frank Gore (21) takes the field at the start of the...

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Tight end Vernon Davis (85) is pushed out of bonds by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Akeem Dent (52) during the second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Tight end Vernon Davis (85) is pushed out of bonds by Atlanta...

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Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the first half of the San...

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Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) with coach jim Harbaugh during the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) runs past Running back Rock Cartwright (28) and snapper Charles Mitchell (26)during the second half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez / The Chronicle

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) runs past Running back Rock...

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Both teams react after Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) fumbles the ball on the one yard line in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Both teams react after Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) fumbles...

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Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) runs past Atlanta Falcons cornerback Asante Samuel (22) in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) runs past Atlanta Falcons...

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Colin Kaepernick was mobbed by photographers after the contest. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC title and advance to the Super Bowl Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Colin Kaepernick was mobbed by photographers after the contest. The...

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Frank Gore looked at some 49er fans after finishing an interview for television. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC title and advance to the Super Bowl Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Frank Gore looked at some 49er fans after finishing an interview...

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San Francisco 49ers Linebacker Aldon Smith (99), Defensive tackle Ray McDonald (91), Linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53 and Offensive tackle Joe Staley (74) pick up Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) during the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Linebacker Aldon Smith (99), Defensive tackle...

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Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) talks with Running back Frank Gore (21) about a play prior to the snap late in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Frank Gore and his ten year old son Little Frank waited for an interview on television after the game. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC title and advance to the Super Bowl Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Frank Gore and his ten year old son Little Frank waited for an...

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LaMichael James hurtled some defensive players during a fourth quarter run back from a punt. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC title and advance to the Super Bowl Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

LaMichael James hurtled some defensive players during a fourth...

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San Francisco 49ers fans inside the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia for the NFC Championship on January 20, 2013.
Photo by David Walter Banks for The San Francisco Chronicle.

Colin Kaepernick speaks with Matt Ryan after the 49ers defeated the Falcons on Sunday. The San Francisco 49ers played the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship Game in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga., on Sunday, January 20, 2013. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 28-24 and advancing to the Superbowl.

Linebacker Aldon Smith (99) takes down wide receiver Roddy White (84) during the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Linebacker Aldon Smith (99) takes down wide receiver Roddy White...

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the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC...

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Kicker David Akers (2) in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Kicker David Akers (2) in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco...

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Matt Ryan throws under pressure in the fourth quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship Game in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga., on Sunday, January 20, 2013. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 28-24 and advancing to the Superbowl.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Matt Ryan throws under pressure in the fourth quarter. The San...

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San Francisco 49ers fans inside the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia for the NFC Championship on January 20, 2013.
Photo by David Walter Banks for The San Francisco Chronicle.

San Francisco 49ers huddle before a play during the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers huddle before a play during the San Francisco...

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Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) celebrates with Running back Frank Gore (21) following a touchdown in the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

49er fans greeted Frank Gore as he walked to an interview after the game. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC title and advance to the Super Bowl Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

49er fans greeted Frank Gore as he walked to an interview after the...

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Atlanta coach Mike Smith congratulated Jim Harbaugh on the victory. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC title and advance to the Super Bowl Sunday January 20, 2013.

Matt Ryan lost a fumble in the second half recovered by Aldon Smith. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC title and advance to the Super Bowl Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Matt Ryan lost a fumble in the second half recovered by Aldon...

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Patrick Willis stopped running back Jason Snelling for a short gain in the second half. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC title and advance to the Super Bowl Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Patrick Willis stopped running back Jason Snelling for a short gain...

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A SFPD officer swept broken glass out of the street after a fan threw a trash can into the middle of 24th Street during celebrations after the San Francisco 49er's beat the Atlanta Falcons and was promptly arrested by SFPD in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, January, 20, 2013.

Photo: Jason Henry, Special To The Chronicle

A SFPD officer swept broken glass out of the street after a fan...

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A Niner's fan pushed a trash can onto 24th Street during celebrations after the San Francisco 49er's beat the Atlanta Falcons and was promptly arrested by SFPD in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, January, 20, 2013.

Photo: Jason Henry, Special To The Chronicle

A Niner's fan pushed a trash can onto 24th Street during...

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A Niner's fan pushed a trash can onto 24th Street during celebrations after the San Francisco 49er's beat the Atlanta Falcons and was promptly arrested by SFPD in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, January, 20, 2013.

Photo: Jason Henry, Special To The Chronicle

A Niner's fan pushed a trash can onto 24th Street during...

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Niners fans celebrated at 24th and Mission Streets after the San Francisco 49er's beat the Atlanta Falcons in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, January, 20, 2013.

Photo: Jason Henry, Special To The Chronicle

Niners fans celebrated at 24th and Mission Streets after the San...

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Ben Mosqueda played a vuvuzela along Mission Street after the San Francisco 49er's beat the Atlanta Falcons in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, January, 20, 2013.

Photo: Jason Henry, Special To The Chronicle

Ben Mosqueda played a vuvuzela along Mission Street after the San...

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Cesar Martinez celebrated along 24th Street after the San Francisco 49er's beat the Atlanta Falcons in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, January, 20, 2013.

Photo: Jason Henry, Special To The Chronicle

Cesar Martinez celebrated along 24th Street after the San Francisco...

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Francisco Duartez shaved the 49ers logo onto the side of his head as he celebrated along 24th Street after the San Francisco 49er's beat the Atlanta Falcons in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, January, 20, 2013.

Photo: Jason Henry, Special To The Chronicle

Francisco Duartez shaved the 49ers logo onto the side of his head...

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Will-G beat on a newspaper stand along Mission Street after the San Francisco 49er's beat the Atlanta Falcons in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, January, 20, 2013.

Photo: Jason Henry, Special To The Chronicle

Will-G beat on a newspaper stand along Mission Street after the San...

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Fans honked their horns and hung out the windows of cars during celebrations along 24th Street after the San Francisco 49er's beat the Atlanta Falcons in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, January, 20, 2013.

Photo: Jason Henry, Special To The Chronicle

Fans honked their horns and hung out the windows of cars during...

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A Niner's fan pushed a trash can onto 24th Street and was promptly arrested by SFPD during celebrations and residents helped clean it up after the San Francisco 49er's beat the Atlanta Falcons in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, January, 20, 2013.

Photo: Jason Henry, Special To The Chronicle

A Niner's fan pushed a trash can onto 24th Street and was promptly...

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Niner's fans celebrated along 24th Street after the San Francisco 49er's beat the Atlanta Falcons in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, January, 20, 2013.

Photo: Jason Henry, Special To The Chronicle

Niner's fans celebrated along 24th Street after the San Francisco...

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San Francisco 49ers fans inside the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia for the NFC Championship on January 20, 2013.
Photo by David Walter Banks for The San Francisco Chronicle.

49ers Michael Crabtree, (15) fumbles the ball on the one yard line in the fourth quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC Championship game on Sunday Jan. 20, 2013, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Ga.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

49ers Michael Crabtree, (15) fumbles the ball on the one yard line...

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John Abraham and Corey Peters sit on the sideline dejected in the fourth quarter. The San Francisco 49ers played the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship Game in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga., on Sunday, January 20, 2013. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 28-24 and advancing to the Superbowl.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

John Abraham and Corey Peters sit on the sideline dejected in the...

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San Francisco 49ers fans inside the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia for the NFC Championship on January 20, 2013.
Photo by David Walter Banks for The San Francisco Chronicle.

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) fumbles the ball on the one yard line during fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) fumbles the ball on the one...

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San Francisco 49ers fan Sagar Modi inside the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia for the NFC Championship on January 20, 2013.
Photo by David Walter Banks for The San Francisco Chronicle.

Photo: David Walter Banks

San Francisco 49ers fan Sagar Modi inside the Georgia Dome in...

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Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) fumbles the ball on the one yard line during fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) fumbles the ball on the one...

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San Francisco 49ers fans congregated at the Georgia 49ers Fan Club tailgate in the Yellow Lot of the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia for the NFC Championship on January 20, 2013.
Photo by David Walter Banks for The San Francisco Chronicle.

Photo: David Walter Banks

San Francisco 49ers fans congregated at the Georgia 49ers Fan Club...

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San Francisco 49ers fan Alex Gonzalez outside the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia for the NFC Championship on January 20, 2013.
Photo by David Walter Banks for The San Francisco Chronicle.

Photo: David Walter Banks

San Francisco 49ers fan Alex Gonzalez outside the Georgia Dome in...

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San Francisco 49ers fans inside the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia for the NFC Championship on January 20, 2013.
Photo by David Walter Banks for The San Francisco Chronicle.

Cornerback Carlos Rogers (22) blocks a pass intended for wide receiver Roddy White (84) during the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

Cornerback Carlos Rogers (22) blocks a pass intended for wide...

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Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) runs over Falcons cornerback Asante Samuel (22) during the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) runs over Falcons cornerback...

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 20: Defensive back Darcel McBath #28, Anthony Dixon #24 and defensive back Perrish Cox #20 of the San Francisco 49ers react after stopping the Atlanta Falcons on fourth down in the fourth quarter in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on January 20, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Photo: Chris Graythen, Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 20: Defensive back Darcel McBath #28,...

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San Francisco 49ers' Colin Kaepernick (7) celebrates with Leonard Davis and Daniel Kilgore (67) after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Superbowl XLVII.

Photo: Dave Martin, Associated Press

San Francisco 49ers' Colin Kaepernick (7) celebrates with Leonard...

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San Francisco 49ers' Ricky Jean Francois reacts after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Superbowl XLVII.

Photo: David Goldman, Associated Press

San Francisco 49ers' Ricky Jean Francois reacts after the NFL...

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San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh runs onto the field with an assistant after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Superbowl XLVII.

Photo: Dave Martin, Associated Press

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh runs onto the field...

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Wide receiver Michael Crabtree #15, running back Frank Gore #21 and tight end Vernon Davis #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate after the 49ers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on January 20, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The San Francisco 49ers celebrate with head coach Jim Harbaugh, center, after the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Super Bowl XLVII.

Photo: Dave Martin, Associated Press

The San Francisco 49ers celebrate with head coach Jim Harbaugh,...

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Atlanta Falcons' Dunta Robinson sits on the team bench after being defeated by San Francisco 49ers in the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. The 49ers won 28-24 to advance to Superbowl XLVII.

Photo: David Goldman, Associated Press

Atlanta Falcons' Dunta Robinson sits on the team bench after being...

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San Francisco 49ers' Aldon Smith reacts after recovering a fumble during the second half of the NFL football NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta.

Photo: David Goldman, Associated Press

San Francisco 49ers' Aldon Smith reacts after recovering a fumble...

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Offensive tackle Anthony Davis (76) during the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Offensive tackle Anthony Davis (76) during the first half of the...

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San Francisco 49ers Running back LaMichael James (23) runs pass Atlanta Falcons cornerback Chris Owens (21) during the second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Running back LaMichael James (23) runs pass...

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the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC...

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San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the...

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Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked in the first quarter of...

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Running back LaMichael James (23) runs past Atlanta Falcons cornerback Chris Owens (21) and running back Jason Snelling (44) int he second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Running back LaMichael James (23) runs past Atlanta Falcons...

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San Francisco 49ers Offensive tackle Joe Staley (74) and Offensive guard Mike Iupati (77) before the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Luanne Dietz, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Offensive tackle Joe Staley (74) and Offensive...

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the first quarter...

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San Francisco 49ers Cornerback Tarell Brown (25) attempts to stop Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Cornerback Tarell Brown (25) attempts to stop...

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San Francisco 49ers Linebacker Patrick Willis (52) takes down Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Linebacker Patrick Willis (52) takes down...

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Cornerback Chris Culliver (29) and Safety Dashon Goldson (38) break up a pass in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked during the fist half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked during the fist half of...

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs past San Francisco 49ers Safety Dashon Goldson (38) in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs past San...

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Wide receiver Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons catches a pass as he is hit by free safety Dashon Goldson #38 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on January 20, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) breaks through an attempted tackle by Defensive tackle Justin Smith (94) and Linebacker Patrick Willis (52) in the first quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) breaks through...

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Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan walked away after greeting Colin Kaepernick at midfield. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-24 to win the NFC title and advance to the Super Bowl Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan walked away after greeting Colin...

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San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) laughs with coach Jim Harbaugh before the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) laughs with...

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Cornerback Chris Culliver (29) catches an interception in the third quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Cornerback Chris Culliver (29) catches an interception in the third...

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Daniel Kilgore, left, and Alex Boone, right after the 49ers defeated the Falcons on Sunday. The San Francisco 49ers played the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship Game in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga., on Sunday, January 20, 2013. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 28-24 and advancing to the Superbowl.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Daniel Kilgore, left, and Alex Boone, right after the 49ers...

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San Francisco 49ers fans congregated at the Georgia 49ers Fan Club tailgate in the Yellow Lot of the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Georgia for the NFC Championship on January 20, 2013.

Photo: David Walter Banks

San Francisco 49ers fans congregated at the Georgia 49ers Fan Club...

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Joey Moreno showed off his 49ers and Giants tattoos during celebrations along 24th Street after the San Francisco 49er's beat the Atlanta Falcons in San Francisco, Calif., Sunday, January, 20, 2013.

Photo: Jason Henry, Special To The Chronicle

Joey Moreno showed off his 49ers and Giants tattoos during...

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Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) is picked up and carried back for a loss of yards by Linebacker Aldon Smith (99), Linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53), Defensive tackle Ray McDonald (91) and Defensive tackle Justin Smith (94) in the second half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

A stand up paddle boarder sports a Colin Kaepernick jersey at the Mavericks Invitational on Sunday, January 20, 2013.

Photo: Mathew Sumner, Special To The Chronicle

A stand up paddle boarder sports a Colin Kaepernick jersey at the...

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 20: (L-R) Leonard Davis #68 and head coach Jim Harbaugh and Jonathan Goodwin #59 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate as they walk off of the field after they won 28-24 against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome on January 20, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Photo: Streeter Lecka, Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 20: (L-R) Leonard Davis #68 and head coach...

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San Francisco 49ers' Frank Gore gets past Atlanta Falcons' Dunta Robinson (23) for a first down during the first half of the NFL football NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Photo: Mark Humphrey, Associated Press

San Francisco 49ers' Frank Gore gets past Atlanta Falcons' Dunta...

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San Francisco 49ers fans before the San Francisco 49ers game against the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA., on Sunday January 20, 2013.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers fans before the San Francisco 49ers game...

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49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick warms up before as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship game on Sunday Jan. 20, 2013, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Ga.

NaVorro Bowman reached out his left hand and with one swat knocked away 18 years of frustration.

Years of losing, years of being a laughingstock, years of failing to live up to the legends of the past - they all tumbled to the Georgia Dome turf along with Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan's desperate fourth-down pass.

The 49ers' bench exploded in delirium. The offensive players ran onto the field to celebrate. The defensive players high-stepped toward the opposite end zone.

And the man who wrought this stunning transformation of the 49ers stayed - as he likes to say - maniacally focused. Jim Harbaugh screamed at his players to come back to the bench, to get off the field. There was still more than a minute to play - a lifetime as Harbaugh, who once earned the nickname Captain Comeback for his own on-field exploits, knows - and the 49ers couldn't afford a penalty.

The 49ers had waited 18 years. An entire generation has been waiting all their lives to see the 49ers in another Super Bowl. They could wait another 69 seconds to celebrate.

To laugh. To hug. Or, in the case of owner Jed York, to cry on live television.

Brother vs. brother

The 49ers are going to the Super Bowl for the sixth time in franchise history. They will face the Baltimore Ravens, creating an intriguing situation in a game that will be hyped from every angle for the next two weeks. Jim Harbaugh will square off against his older brother, John Harbaugh, in a game already being called the Har-Bowl.

For Jim Harbaugh, it will be a deeply personal quest for a sixth silver Lombardi Trophy to add to the 49ers' display case. His team will try to cap the greatest four-month stretch in San Francisco sports history.

Guard Alex Boone was wearing a San Francisco Giants shirt as he headed for the team plane. He claimed he wasn't wearing it for good world championship juju, but it sure couldn't hurt. A World Series championship and a Super Bowl in the same school year? Fans are already wondering who's going to drive Colin Kaepernick's car in the parade.

The 49ers' route to New Orleans, the site of their blowout victory over Denver in Super Bowl XXIV 23 years ago, has been anything but predictable.

With the dramatic 28-24 come-from-behind victory over Atlanta, the largest comeback in an NFC Championship Game and the third biggest road comeback in playoff history, the 49ers claimed the NFC title. They moved one step further than they did last season and, in the process, validated Harbaugh's gamble of switching midseason from experienced quarterback Alex Smith to untested Kaepernick.

Making just his ninth start, Kaepernick was as cool-blooded and tough-shelled as his pet tortoise, Sammy. Down by 17 points after just more than 15 minutes to a Falcons offense that Harbaugh described as "perfection," Kaepernick channeled his coach's past NFL self and directed a monster comeback.

"We just knew we had to score," Kaepernick said. "Going out on the field frantic isn't going to help you. You have to stay calm."

With the Falcons taking away Michael Crabtree most of the afternoon and Kaepernick finding his own running lanes sealed off, Kaepernick looked for tight end Vernon Davis deep and saw running lanes open up the middle for Frank Gore.

Niners claw back

The 49ers pulled within 10 points, then three, then fell behind again by 10 at the half. Davis gave an emotional halftime speech and the 49ers put together a long scoring drive to open the third quarter and cut the deficit to three. They got the opportunity to tie the game, but David Akers missed a 38-yard field-goal attempt.

Finally, a fourth-quarter 9-yard run up the middle by Gore gave the 49ers their first lead of the game. It was up to the defense to hold on to it. And during a timeout on the Falcons' final real drive, Kaepernick went out to talk to his defense.

Though the 49ers have mostly jumped out early in their victories this season, Gore was never worried.

"We're built for this type of game," he said. "We're tough. It's hard to break us. If we're down, we're not giving up."

That resilient attitude was instilled in the core of the team - Gore, Patrick Willis, Davis, Justin Smith - who endured so many years of losing together.

"It was a long eight years of struggling, struggling, struggling," Gore said. "I knew what we had in the locker room. We just finally got the right guys to lead us."

The right guy was Harbaugh, who inherited a 6-10 team packed with hungry, motivated players and gave them the tools to win. Working without the benefit of an offseason because of the NFL lockout, he took the team to a conference title game.

But the 49ers, in retrospect, say they were unprepared. Too excited.

"It all happened so fast," York said.

Following legends

Some of those legends were on hand to witness the moment. Eddie DeBartolo Jr., Charles Haley and Bryant Young were honorary captains for the game. DeBartolo predicted a lopsided victory, saying, "This is just a warm-up game."

The Falcons didn't cooperate with that story line. There was nothing easy about the win, just as there hasn't been much easy this season.

But at the end, Harbaugh got the stop from his defense that he needed.

"We rose up," he said, tweaking the Falcons motto of "Rise Up Atlanta."